Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
SAFELY BY AIR
This guide is written to help you ship batteries safely by air. It is not a substitute for the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 100-185). Every effort has been made to provide a simplified guide consistent with the HMR. However, if there is any instance in which this guide is inconsistent with the HMR, the regulations themselves are the final authority for proper shipping procedures. If you have questions about a specific shipment, please call our Hazardous Materials Info-line at 1-800-467-4922. SHIPPING BATTERIES SAFELY BY AIR
Contents
Why Are Batteries Regulated in Transportation? Lithium Batteries Is Your Lithium Battery Small, Medium, or Large? Examples of Lithium Batteries What requirements apply toSmall Lithium Batteries? What requirements apply to Medium and Large Lithium Batteries? Wet Batteries Nonspillable Batteries Dry Batteries (Excluding Lithium) Battery-powered Vehicles and Equipment Batteries Contained in or Packed with Equipment 2 6 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 100-185) include provisions for packaging, hazard communication (package marking, labeling, and shipping papers), and handling batteries and battery-powered devices. The purpose of these regulations is to protect the safety of people and property when batteries and battery-powered devices are being shipped. If the applicable minimum regulatory requirements are not followed, these shipments may contribute to fires, injuries, or other incidents during transport. Failure to comply with the applicable regulations may result in a fine or even jail time. This document provides guidance on methods of safely transporting batteries and battery-powered equipment in compliance with the regulations. There is generalized guidance on proper packaging and handling methods and also greater detail where necessary for a better understanding of the requirements of the HMR. This guide also provides a framework for compliance with international regulations for those shippers transporting batteries and battery-powered devices internationally. Most of the requirements in the HMR are the same as international regulations and standards. However, there are some different requirements and/or different dates for compliance. For international shipment of batteries and battery-powered equipment by air, we recommend shippers consult the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for current and up-to-date requirements. Publications and regulations issued by ICAO can be found at www.icao.int. For both domestic and international shipments, we also recommend checking with your air carrier for any additional requirements that it may impose.
PHMSA prepared this guide with the help of FAA, and with input from experts in the battery, airline, and shipping industries, to assist you in safely packaging batteries for transport by air. Whether you are shipping a single battery, a palletized load of batteries, or a battery-powered device, the safety of your package, and of the people who handle it along the way, depends on compliance with these regulations.
Battery ncdent?
Certain types of incidents must be reported to PHMSA. Incidents involving batteries and battery powered devices including those that result in a fire, violent rupture, explosion, or dangerous evolution of heat must be reported. In addition to the written incident report, immediate telephonic reporting is required for incidents involving batteries and battery-powered devices in air transportation. You are an crucial part of aviation safety. It is essential that you preserve the batteries and/or electronic equipment involved in an incident. We ask you to contact DOT so that any evidence from a battery incident can be transferred to the appropriate authorities for analysis and evaluation.
For further information: See 171.15 and 171.16 PHMSAs web site at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/incident-report The Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922 4
Batteres and battery-powered devces can be a safety rsk when transported by ar.
Batteries may spark, overheat or even catch fire if they short-circuit. A short circuit can happen any time something which conducts electricity touches both terminals on a battery. For example, a tool, a set of keys, or wiring could bridge the terminals, creating a short circuit. Additionally, damaged batteries may lead to short-circuiting or contribute to a fire through release of stored energy or may release hazardous contents such as corrosive battery fluid. Packaging batteries to protect terminals, especially from metallic objects, reduces risk in transportation and increases safety. Implementing measures to prevent inadvertent activation of battery powered equipment also contributes to increased safety. Proper packaging is one of the most critical measures that a shipper can take to prevent incidents and enhance safety. Batteries should be individually packaged (when practical) or separated to prevent damage and short circuiting.
Enclose batteries in plastic blister wrap, pasteboard, or other inner packaging that will protect each battery from making contact with another battery or any item that is capable of causing a short-circuit.
Lithium Batteries
You can safely and easily ship most consumer-type lithium batteries, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable varieties, if certain precautions are taken to prevent short circuits, overheating, and inadvertent operations. These batteries include camera batteries, notebook computer batteries, and cell phone batteries.
Non-rechargeable (i.e., metal/primary) lithium batteries MAY NOT be transported as cargo aboard passenger aircraft and packages containing those batteries must be marked*: PRIMARY LITHIUM BATTERIESFORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT or LITHIUM METAL BATTERIESFORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT
*Letters must be at least 6mm high for packages with a gross weight of 30 kg or less and 12 mm high for packages with a gross weight of over 30 kg.
NonRechargeable
Cells
Rechargeable
NonRechargeable
Batteries
Rechargeable
1.0 g Li
1.5 g ELC
2.0 g Li
8 g ELC
Medium (between)
1.0 g and 5 g Li
2.0 g and 25 g Li
8g and 25 g ELC
5 g Li
5 g ELC
25 g Li
25 g ELC
*ELC (g)= rated capacity (Ah) X 0.3; assumes a battery or cell with a rated voltage of 3.7v.
Determining the lithium content or equivalent lithium content of a battery or cell can be complex, so examples are also listed, as are watt-hour equivalencies. If the information for determining watt-hour rating (Wh)*, lithium content, or ELC is not on your battery or in the information provided with the battery, contact the manufacturer, distributor, or Hazardous Materials Information Center (HMIC)** for more information.
0
Packaging requirements for small lithium batteries are found in the HMR in 172.102, Special Provision 188. Provisions for airline passengers are found in 175.10(a)(17).
Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries and cells are forbidden for transport aboard passenger carrying aircraft as cargo. Secondary (rechargeable) small lithium batteries and cells are authorized aboard passenger carrying aircraft when properly packaged and identified (where applicable).
The shipper must confirm that the manufacturer has performed all the tests and the batteries/cells have passed the tests found in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria prior to offering for transportation. Batteries or cells must be separated so as to prevent short circuits and must be packed in a strong outer packaging or be contained in equipment.
Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries and cells are forbidden for transport aboard passenger carrying aircraft. Secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries and cells are authorized aboard passenger carrying aircraft in packages that do not exceed a gross weight of 5 kg (11 pounds).
Sample Packaging: Medium and Large lithium batteries shipped by cargo air Cushioning Lithium Batteries Individually Packaged UN Specification Packaging
Medium and Large lithium batteries and cells must: Pass the design type tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. Be packaged in UN Specification combination packagings. Shipments of Medium and Large lithium batteries and cells must be: Marked and labeled in accordance with the HMR as Class 9. Accompanied by a hazardous materials shipping paper prepared in accordance with the HMR describing the batteries. When transported by aircraft: accompanied by a shipping paper, emergency response information, notification of pilot-incommand, and must meet general packaging requirements and the requirements in 173.27. SHIPPING BATTERIES SAFELY BY AIR
Wet Batteries
Terminal Protection Non-Conductive Divider Insulating Caps Inner Container Strong Outer Package
Wet batteries are also called lead-acid or lead-alkali batteries. These batteries are used in automobiles, forklifts, wheelchairs, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and many other applications. Hazards associated with these batteries include burns from the corrosive electrolyte fluid and heat caused by short circuits. Wet batteries are defined as electric storage batteries, containing electrolyte acid or alkaline corrosive battery fluid.
14
UN2794 Batteries, wet, filled with acid, electric storage. UN2795 Batteries, wet, filled with alkali, electric storage.
Wet battery requirements are found in 173.159.
In general, wet batteries may not be packed with other materials (exceptions are provided for battery acid/alkali fluid, dry cell batteries, and mechanical equipment such as battery chargers). When transported by aircraft, the packaging for wet batteries must incorporate an acid- or alkali-proof liner, or include an additional packaging of sufficient strength, and be adequately sealed to prevent leakage of electrolyte fluid from the packaging in the event of a leak from a battery. Batteries must be securely packed to prevent: Dangerous evolution of heat*, Damage to the terminals, and Short circuits - by any of the following methods: - Fully enclosing each battery or device in inner packagings; - Separating batteries to prevent contact; or - Covering exposed terminals with protective caps. *A dangerous evolution of heat is an amount of heat sufficient to be dangerous to packaging or personal safety to include charring of the packaging, melting of packaging, scorching of packaging, or other evidence.
15
Nonspillable Batteries
A nonspillable wet electric storage battery is not subject to the HMR when the battery:
meets pressure differential and vibration testing standards found in 173.159; (and its outer packaging) are plainly and durably marked, NONSPILLABLE or NONSPILLABLE BATTERY; is protected against short circuits (e.g., by the use of non-conductive caps that entirely cover the terminals); contains no unabsorbed (i.e., free-flowing) liquid (at 55 C (131 F)); and is designed so that electrolyte will not flow if the case ruptures or cracks (at 55 C (131 F)).
17
Dry Batteries
(Excluding Lithium)
Sample Packaging: Dry Cell Batteries Blister Pack Cushioning Divider
These are sealed batteries that are normally used in flashlights or small appliances. Examples include alkaline, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, and carbon zinc batteries (e.g., AA, AAA, D-Cell, C-Cell, etc). These batteries include both non-rechargeable types (sometimes called alkaline batteries) and rechargeable types (nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium). Note: Some AA, AAA, and 9-volt batteries are made using lithium chemistries. Dry batteries do not include lithium batteries. 18
Section 172.102, Special Provision 130 provides detailed requirements for packaging and protecting dry batteries (including examples).
Dry Batteries
Unless covered by an entry found in 172.101, Hazardous Materials Table, in the HMR such as UN3028, Batteries, dry, containing potassium hydroxide solid, electric, storage, dry batteries are not subject to other requirements in the HMR when they are properly packaged and protected as specified in 172.102, Special Provision 130. Batteries must be securely packed to prevent: Dangerous evolution of heat*, Damage to the terminals, and Short circuits - by any of the following methods: - Fully enclosing each battery or device in inner packagings; - Separating batteries to prevent contact; or - Covering exposed terminals with protective caps. When you transport batteries by air with an electrical potential greater than 9 Volts, you must: Package a device containing the battery in a way that restricts access to activation switch, install a switch cap or lock, determine that the device has a sufficiently recessed switch, or use other suitable methods to prevent accidental activation of a device. Mark each package non restricted or provide a transport document with the words non restricted entered on it. *A dangerous evolution of heat is an amount of heat sufficient to be dangerous to packaging or personal safety to include charring of the packaging, melting of packaging, scorching of packaging, or other evidence. SHIPPING BATTERIES SAFELY BY AIR
19
The HMR include a number of provisions applicable to batteries installed in vehicles, machinery, or other types of equipment. Section 173.220 includes requirements for shipment of internal combustion engines, self-propelled vehicles, mechanical equipment containing internal combustion engines, and battery-powered vehicles or equipment. 0
Section 173.220 provides regulatory exceptions for battery-powered vehicles, machinery, and equipment provided they meet certain minimal requirements: Batteries must be securely installed. Wet batteries must be fastened in an upright position. Batteries must be protected against short circuits (e.g., by the use of non-conductive caps that entirely cover the terminals) and leakage, or removed and packaged separately. When transported by aircraft: shipping papers, emergency response information, notification of pilot-in-command, general packaging requirements, and compliance with 173.27 are required. Lithium batteries contained in battery-powered vehicles are subject to most of the restrictions applicable to lithium batteries (see 172.102 Special Provision 134 and A101, and 173.220(d)).
Battery-powered wheelchairs and other mobility aids are eligible for exceptions from some regulatory requirements on passenger aircraft under certain conditions. These conditions can be found in 175.10 of the HMR. 21
Many of the requirements discussed in this guide are accompanied by the statement except when contained in or packed with equipment. This section describes what is required for batteries contained in or packed with equipment. Battery-powered equipment can be shipped safely if certain precautions are taken to prevent short circuits, overheating, and inadvertent operations. 22
Batteres, wet, non-spllable, electrc storage Batteries, wet, filled with acid, electric storage Batteries, wet, filled with alkali, electric storage Life-saving appliances, not self inating Lthum batteres packed wth equpment Lthum batteres contaned n equpment dry Batteres
All batteries, wet, dry, nonspillable, and lithium, must be securely packaged with the equipment in such a way that prevents the dangerous evolution of heat and protects against short circuits, or the batteries must be properly installed in the equipment. Properly cushion items to prevent shifting. The equipment must be designed, packaged, and be in proper condition so that no dangerous evolution of heat, fumes, gases, or fire will result. Leave devices in the off position. The device may not operate on its own or short circuit the battery in it. This can be achieved by engaging a trigger lock or disabling the power button/ switch. Batteries may not be recharged during transportation. Batteries packed in equipment may not exceed certain weight limits: Lithium batteries in equipment: 5kg net (passenger air/rail), 35kg net (cargo air) Lithium batteries packed with equipment: 5kg net (passenger air/rail), 35kg gross (cargo air) Wet batteries: 30kg gross (passenger air/rail), no limit by cargo air Dry batteries and Nonspillable batteries: no limit Important sections pertaining to batteries installed in and packaged with equipment: 172.102, (Special Provisions 134, 157, 188, 189, A101, A103, and A104), 173.185(b) and (c ), and 173.220(d).
For information about other Hazmat Publications: Vst our web ste: http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat E-mail: infocntr@dot.gov Fax: (202) 366-7342 E-mal: training@dot.gov Phone: (202) 366-4900 Wrte: U.S. Department of Transportation Ppelne and Hazardous materals Safety Admnstraton 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, PHH-50 Washington, DC 20590-0001
PHH50-0107-0109
4